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A ‘Win-Win’ for Donor and National Jewish Health

More than a decade ago, Elisabeth Szegho found that her personal health history and charitable interests intersected at a worthy cause – National Jewish Health. She decided to take advantage of the benefits of giving through a charitable gift annuity (CGA) – a giving vehicle that creates a “win-win” situation for her and the hospital.

Elisabeth, who gives to more than 80 charitable organizations, learned about National Jewish Health through a mailing she received.

“I was interested in the organization because it is dedicated to respiratory diseases, which are so pervasive in our society,” she says. “I like that National Jewish Health is also looking at the role of genetic and environmental factors in these conditions.”

For example, in the National Jewish Health Center for Genes, Environment and Health, researchers are studying how environmental factors like diet, stress and pollution make an imprint on genes that is passed from one generation to the next. These factors may influence a person’s risk of developing disease, and this research may help us understand why individuals with the same disease have very different responses to treatment.

After donating to National Jewish Health since 2001, Elisabeth decided to set up a CGA. In return for her donation, she will receive a fixed amount each year for the rest of her life.

“With bond and CD yields being so low, non-profit annuities were the way to go,” she says. “The return is good for me, the tax picture is favorable, and I can give to a field that is meaningful to me.